Residents are demanding an apology from owners of a Perthshire chicken processing factory found to be creating a local stench.
The 2 Sisters Food Group have been given a final notice by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), whereby they have to draw up a suitable action plan focusing on four areas thought to be the main causes of a smell at their Coupar Angus premises.
Scores of locals are up in arms at over the strong odour coming from the factory, with some claiming they have to re-wash clothes that had been hung out, and others stating they feel nothing is being done to rectify the situation.
Following an inspection of the site by SEPA investigators, the environmental watchdog issued them with a deadline of September 30 to schedule an action plan.
However, Michael Gallagher of Precinct Street claimed SEPA has given the 2 Sisters factory “carte blanche” to effectively do what they want.
“SEPA has told the factory that it has to produce an action plan by the end of this month,” he said.
“However, they haven’t given a deadline for putting the plan into force. Two Sisters seem to be taking full advantage of this effective reprieve given to them by SEPA.
“It is interesting that the company has never apologised to the community. All they ever come out with are bland statement about taking local concerns seriously and wanting to be good neighbours.”
Kim Coram added: “I’m absolutely fed up of having to bring in washing in after hanging it out to dry, and then washing it again. Something really needs to be done.
”The smell was so strong on Sunday that it was catching the back of my throat.”
Mary-Ann Brannigan claimed the smells were “stinking” throughout Sunday.
“2 Sisters are not giving a damn,” she said.
A spokesperson for SEPA confirmed it has received “further complaints” from residents.
“SEPA is continuing to respond to complaints and carry out odour assessments,” he said.
“We have been in contact with the factory management over a long period regarding control of these malodours and have recently served a final warning letter on the company. We are in active discussions regarding an improvement plan which must include greater mitigation and control of all odour sources at the site.
“We have requested that the improvement plan contains dates for implementation, or installation, of improvements and that these should start at the earliest opportunity. While this will not result in an immediate reduction in odour, we hope this will result in long-term improvements on site and a greater reduction in odours generated.
“The deadline for the operator to submit this improvement plan to SEPA is September 30. “We would advise members of the public to contact our pollution hotline on 0800 807060 if they are affected by odours from the site.”
A 2 Sisters Food Group spokesperson said: “We are currently working on our improvement plan to address the odour issues.”
